Over the past year, I have investigated and helped develop Market Research Online Communities (MROCs) on both the client and vendor side of the research industry. My experience on both sides of MROCs has surfaced some clear trends on the methodology:

What will the Marketing Research Industry look like next year? Here’s my top ten list.

In-Sourcing – When I was moving from the client side to the supplier side, a surprised supplier gasped and said to me, “But you’re just a purchaser! You’re not a researcher!” (Okay, I guess I still haven’t gotten over that insult.) Well the joke’s on that supplier! Clients are conducting their own research – and in many cases – managing quite well, thank you very much. Not only does this save their company money – it saves their job!

Global Studies – If you work with multinational organizations, or you are one, you know that the world is getting smaller. Brands are now global icons, and treated as such. Research firms with an international scope are needed to (more…)